Top Underrated Reads of 2016

This is the 3rd, Top Ten Tuesday I am participating in and is hosted by the Broke and the Bookish ! Today’s topic is underrated reads of 2016 and I have a few of them. Unsurprisingly, these became some of my favorite reads of 2016, so you might see some overlap. As always, to see other Top Ten lists, click here. I only have five this time, but as I read more and more I am sure I will have more in the future! So let’s begin.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

I really had no clue what this was about. The back cover gives away the bare minimum, but the actual book is much more serious. All you find out is that a man just walks out of his door and begins a pilgrimage. The reasons why are so much more intriguing, as well as his personal mental and emotional journey. The relationship he has with himself and his wife change in a fascinating and hopeful way as well. All in all, while there are definitely sad moments, the book is much more profound than you would expect.

Human Acts by Han Kang

I had heard of Han Kang before reading this book, and wanted to read The Vegetarian, which I got for Christmas, but then I saw this book on First to Read. So I requested it as soon as I saw it without any real knowledge of the book. I do not know if that helped, but I really enjoyed the way Kang brings in voices you would have never thought of. The book is truly a beautiful thing to read.

 

 

White Queen by Gwyneth Jones

I had heard about this a lot, but nothing to do with plot. I only knew it was a recommendation from the science fiction community, but why? Having begun this book once before and not picking it up again, I made a commitment to get further than the first pages. I was surprised by the actual amount of things that happen and the extent of it’s wild plot. Things just keep getting stranger, but it also does an excellent job of highlighting the alien within us.

Invisible Planets by Ken Liu

I had no expectations going into this because I couldn’t think of any Chinese Science Fiction. I was blown away. This anthology is a brilliant introduction that showcases a variety of talents, and styles, for any newcomer to enjoy. I liked so many of the stories and it has served as major inspiration to read more Chinese Sci-Fi.

 

 

The Palest Ink by Kay Bratt

This was surprisingly moving. It’s balance of the personal struggles of growing up, and the friendship between two boys, with the injustice and suffering during the Cultural Revolution was expertly composed. It is a great embodiment of the idea that our personal actions are political; they mean something in the political world. We do not all have to be radical activists, or guilty of any crime, to experience their hardships. It was a very touching story.

 

 

 

So these are my top underrated books of 2016! I am so happy to participate in another Top Ten Tuesday post and so comment below…

What are your most underrated books last year? Have you read any of mine?

Don’t forget to subscribe for more fun Friday posts like this!

Share this post